Analysts predict a low-scoring opening clash between Akron and Wake Forest

The opening week of college football pits the Akron Zips against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, a game many see as a test of each team's revamped rosters. Akron is expected to finish with roughly five wins and has an over/under set slightly above four games, while its schedule appears manageable despite limited talent. The Zips have replaced former starter Ben Finley with transfer quarterback Reese Poffenbarger, who brings experience from Miami and North Texas but has not been a full-time starter.

Wake Forest, projected for at least six wins, also fields a new signal-caller in Gio Lopez, who threw for 1,747 yards and ten touchdowns at North Carolina last season. Both squads have added transfers on offense and defense, which may delay cohesion early on. Given the new quarterbacks and the overall talent balance, experts anticipate a game with relatively few points scored.